Butterfly Rose Oldham, born October 19, 1998, is the youngest daughter of actress Kimberly Elise and photographer Maurice Oldham. She works as a marketing manager at Bernstein Financial Services while maintaining a notably private life despite her family’s Hollywood prominence. Her breakout acting role came in the 2023 film A Snowy Day in Oakland.
Who Is Butterfly Rose Oldham
Butterfly Rose Oldham was born on October 19, 1998, in Los Angeles, California. As the youngest daughter of award-winning actress Kimberly Elise, she grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry. Her father, Maurice Oldham, worked as a professional photographer with an MBA background before his death in 2007.
Unlike many children of celebrities, Butterfly chose a different path. She built a career in marketing rather than immediately pursuing acting. This decision reflects her determination to establish her own professional identity separate from her mother’s fame.
She shares her upbringing with her older sister, AjaBleu Arial Oldham, who was born in 1990. The eight-year age gap didn’t diminish their close relationship. Both sisters received encouragement to pursue their individual interests without pressure to follow their mother’s career trajectory.
Early Years in Los Angeles
Growing up in Los Angeles meant constant exposure to film sets, premieres, and industry events. Butterfly was immersed in storytelling from a young age through her creative household. Her mother’s acclaimed performances in films like Set It Off, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and John Q provided a front-row seat to professional acting.
Butterfly’s father passed away on May 21, 2007, at age 48 due to a blood clot. She was only nine years old at the time. A memorial service was held at Agape International Spiritual Center nine days after his death. This loss shaped her childhood and strengthened family bonds.
Despite having access to Hollywood’s inner circles, Butterfly’s parents prioritized normalcy. She attended local schools and participated in age-appropriate activities. This grounded upbringing helped her develop perspectives beyond the entertainment bubble.
Growing Up With Famous Parents
Kimberly Elise made her big screen debut in the 1996 crime film Set It Off, where she starred alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and Vivica A. Fox. The film’s success launched her mother’s career when Butterfly was still a toddler. In 1997, Kimberly received recognition as Best Supporting Actress at the CableACE Awards for her role in The Ditchdigger’s Daughters.
The following year, Kimberly starred in Beloved alongside Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Her performance earned critical acclaim and award nominations. By the time Butterfly entered elementary school, her mother had established herself as a respected dramatic actress.
Kimberly Elise and Maurice Oldham married on April 21, 1989, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their marriage lasted until 2005, when they divorced. Kimberly remarried George E. McCrary on August 23, 2023.
Kimberly Elise’s Influence
Kimberly’s roles in films like John Q (2002) and The Manchurian Candidate (2004) showcased her range opposite Denzel Washington. She demonstrated that Black actresses could carry dramatic weight in major studio productions. This example showed Butterfly that success requires dedication and skill, not just connections.
In 2005, Kimberly starred in Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which grossed over $50 million. The film’s massive success cemented her mother’s status as a bankable star. Yet Butterfly never seemed pressured to capitalize on this fame for her own benefit.
The family maintained boundaries between public and private life. While Kimberly attended premieres and award shows, she kept her daughters largely out of the spotlight during their formative years.
Education and Academic Path
Butterfly attended Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, where she focused on arts while exploring interests in scriptwriting and directing. The university, located 279 miles north of San Francisco, offered distance from Los Angeles’s entertainment pressures.
Her academic interests extended beyond performance. She studied at The New School in Manhattan, an institution known for creative and interdisciplinary programs. The New York experience exposed her to different cultural perspectives and professional possibilities.
These educational choices reveal someone building knowledge foundations rather than rushing into careers. She invested time in understanding storytelling, business principles, and creative processes. This preparation served her well in subsequent marketing roles.
Her sister AjaBleu took a similar approach. AjaBleu graduated with a BA in Art History and Psychology from The American University of Paris in 2010. She also studied writing and psychology at The New School. Both sisters valued international perspectives and interdisciplinary learning.
Professional Career in Marketing
Butterfly works as a marketing manager at Bernstein Financial Services Inc. This role places her in the financial services sector rather than entertainment. She applies creative thinking to business strategy, client communication, and brand positioning.
Before this position, she gained experience in related fields. Her previous role included marketing strategy for Kimberly Elise Natural Living, her mother’s wellness brand. This family business connection provided early professional development while maintaining some independence.
Her marketing work demonstrates analytical skills and strategic thinking. Financial services marketing requires understanding complex products, regulatory requirements, and client needs. She translates technical information into accessible messaging.
The career choice also offers stability and privacy. Unlike acting, marketing doesn’t require constant public visibility. She can excel professionally without media scrutiny of her personal life.
Acting Roles and Film Appearances
Butterfly’s acting debut came in A Snowy Day in Oakland, where she appeared alongside Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, and Nicole Ari Parker. The 2023 comedy film was written and directed by Kim Bass and starred Nicole Ari Parker as a psychologist opening a practice in Oakland.
The role earned attention for her performance and showcased her emotional depth and natural talent. Working with seasoned actors provided valuable learning experiences. The film explored meaningful themes including mental health issues within the Black community.
A Snowy Day in Oakland was released on March 17, 2023, with a PG-13 rating and 92-minute runtime. It received mixed reviews but was praised for its cast performances. The ensemble format allowed Butterfly to contribute without carrying the entire production.
Since then, she’s been selective about additional projects. She’s expanded into additional film and stage projects, steadily building a diverse portfolio. This measured approach suggests she’s testing her interest in acting rather than committing to it as her primary career.
Her selectivity differs from many celebrity children who rush into high-profile roles. She appears to evaluate each opportunity based on creative merit and personal growth potential, not publicity value.
Personal Life and Relationships
Butterfly has been in a relationship with Kashan Jabari Fields since November 2019. She announced their relationship via Facebook on November 20, 2019. Kashan works at NextGen Virginia in Norfolk, Virginia, a political advocacy organization.
The couple maintains relative privacy despite their long-term relationship. They share occasional updates on social media but don’t court attention. This approach aligns with Butterfly’s overall preference for keeping personal matters separate from public interest.
As of early 2025, Butterfly’s estimated net worth ranges between $200K and $300K, primarily from her marketing career and acting roles. This figure reflects someone building wealth through professional work rather than relying on family resources or seeking high-paying entertainment gigs.
She keeps an active but measured social media presence. Unlike influencers who post daily content, she shares selectively. Her accounts focus on professional milestones and personal moments rather than lifestyle marketing or brand partnerships.
Butterfly had a pet German Shepherd named Kyla who passed away on May 15, 2018. The dog, adopted on Butterfly’s eighth birthday, was euthanized due to arthritis, cancer, and fluid accumulation. She’s since welcomed other pets into her life, showing her love for animals.
Comparison Table: Butterfly Rose vs. AjaBleu Oldham
| Category | Butterfly Rose | AjaBleu |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1998 | 1990 |
| Education | Humboldt State, The New School | American University of Paris |
| Career Field | Marketing, Acting | Marketing, Blogging |
| Current Role | Marketing Manager | Marketing Manager at Bernstein |
| Public Presence | Selective, Private | Active on Instagram, Travel Blog |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Butterfly Rose Oldham?
Born on October 19, 1998, Butterfly is currently 26 years old as of 2025.
What does Butterfly Rose Oldham do for a living?
She works as a marketing manager at Bernstein Financial Services Inc. and occasionally takes acting roles.
Is Butterfly Rose Oldham an actress like her mother?
She appeared in A Snowy Day in Oakland but primarily focuses on her marketing career.
Who is Butterfly Rose Oldham’s father?
Her father was Maurice Oldham, a photographer and MBA graduate who died in 2007.
Where did Butterfly Rose Oldham go to college?
She attended Humboldt State University in California and The New School in Manhattan.
For more stories about celebrity children, rock music families, and the people who choose privacy over fame, explore Earlymagazine—where personal boundaries matter more than public attention and quiet upbringings outshine tabloid headlines.
